A 10-room bed and breakfast property in Brading will be converted into a large family home amid ‘higher energy costs’ and a rising cost of living.
County Hall has given Ms K. Di Nallo, described as a prospective buyer in a Planning Statement, permission for a change of use of Oaklands House on Brading’s Morton Road to residential accommodation.
The hotel is said to be ‘no longer viable’ in the long-term, with ‘all savings’ used to cover revenue costs, according to the Planning Statement from the applicant’s agent, Phil Salmon Planning.
The statement says:
“The hotel has unfortunately, along with all hospitality businesses, experienced higher energy costs, rises in the cost of living, and the drop in government help post-Covid.
“The current owners of the guest house are in a position where they wish to move on from the former hospitality business, given it is no longer viable and maintenance liabilities mounting.
“The applicants are prospective buyers of the property who wish to use it as their home and not operate a guest house.”
A decision report from the Isle of Wight Council on proposal 25/01339/FUL said:
“Oaklands House has not operated as a business consistently since Covid. The short period it opened in 2022 generated little or no interest for tourists.
“Marketing the business and property as a guest house at the current time is extremely unlikely to generate any interest. Moreover, banks and lending organisations are not lending to investors in the hotel or holiday accommodation sector and certainly not to guest houses or B&Bs.
“Having regard for the site being in predominantly a residential area, the residential use would conform with the prevailing character and as such would be acceptable.”
How is a 10 bedroomed family home a more profitable idea ?
Hmm , ah wait . Possibly another HMO plan on the way eh ? Sneaky
Not more profitable, just less costly once business rates etc are factored in. May well be turned into flats eventually though, but wouldn’t get away with it immediately as they’ve indicated they want it as a personal home…planning wouldn’t like the subterfuge!
yawn
We just finished restoring our victorian townhouse and are keen to have a new project. We felt in love with Oaklands House and could see how our family and my small business could be happy there. I work from home as a childminder and the internal courtyard and off road parking will provide the perfect space for the children to thrive.
So don’t worry no HMO or flats, just a happy home 🙂
Katia